Sparkling wine pleases on so many levels, celebratory, food-friendly, and easy to drink anytime or anywhere. And when the wine ticks all the boxes, organically grown, well-made, and value-priced, it’s a winner.
Domaine Bousquet Sparkling Rosé Brut NV is something a bit different, although composed of the usual suspects, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, this is a sparkling rosé wine from Argentina, the land of Malbec. Channeling the high altitude acidity and distinctive fruit flavor profile, this bubbly is crafted from organically grown grapes nurtured in the high mountain vineyards of the Uco Valley
The winemaking expertise comes from the Bousquet family, who originally hail from the South of France. With a desire to start a new chapter in their generational brand of winemaking, Argentina beckoned with it’s sunny wine-growing potential three decades ago. Domaine Bousquet is a blend of Old World winemaking know-how and New World terroir, fruit forward wines that have great natural acidity from the Andean altitude. In the past decade, Jean Bousquet’s daughter, Anne, and her husband, Labid Al Ameri, have taken charge and made Domaine Bousquet their own. Today, it is one of the top Argentinean exporters of wine, and a leader in organic and sustainable wine.
Domaine Bousquet Sparkling Rosé Brut NV is produced by the Charmat method, tank-fermented versus the traditional bottle fermentation, the differences reflected in the styles of Prosecco versus Champagne. Charmat method wines preserve the fresh fruitiness of the still wine, but also include the secondary yeasty flavors. And because the wines are bottled at the end of the secondary fermentation from the tank, they are fresher and more uniform across the production. Domaine Bousquet's sparkling rosé commands a good deal of elegance on the finish, equal to the initial pop of fruit on the first sip. And the bubbles keep coming, generally a sign of excellent winemaking.
A glass of Domaine Bousquet Sparkling Rosé Brut is a prism for the quality of winemaking, the beautiful rich salmon color reflects a jet stream of tiny bubbles that continues for a very long time. Made with 75% Pinot Noir and 25% Chardonnay, aromas of raspberries, cherry, plum and blood orange surface, tinged with toasted bread notes. Vivid and refreshing, with red fruit and citrus flavors, it starts out fresh and finishes elegant.
All of this for the SRP $13, an incredible price for a sparkling wine made from fruit grown in certified organic vineyards! Consistently rated in many Top Of lists, this sparkler made Wine Enthusiast’s Top 100 Best Buys of 2020. Back up the truck, buy a case, and drink it for any reason whatsoever, it’s so refreshing and well-made, it will bring a sparkle to everyday life.